1. Test–retest reliability of postural sway measures using a portable low-cost force plate in healthy adultsMiha Vindiš, Žiga Kozinc, Nenad Nedović, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background and Purpose Center of pressure (CoP) metrics derived from force plates are widely used to quantify postural control, but laboratory-grade systems limit routine clinical and field implementation. Portable low-cost force plates could enable physiotherapists to monitor balance longitudinally, provided that their measurements are sufficiently reliable and clinically interpretable. This study addresses a gap in the literature by systematically comparing the test–retest reliability of CoP outcomes across bipedal and single-leg stance conditions using a portable low-cost force plate, providing device-specific and task-specific validation data relevant to clinical and field-based implementation. Methods This test–retest reliability study included 27 healthy young adults who completed two laboratory sessions 7–10 days apart. In each session, participants performed three 30-s trials of bipedal quiet stance and three 30-s trials of single-leg stance on each leg barefoot with standardized arm position and visual fixation. Mean values across repetitions were analyzed. Relative reliability was assessed using two-way mixed-effects ICC for absolute agreement (3,1), with 95% confidence intervals. Absolute reliability was quantified using typical error (TE) and coefficient of variation (CV). Paired t-tests evaluated systematic between-session differences. Results Across all outcomes, single-leg stance demonstrated substantially higher inter-session reliability compared to bipedal stance. Measures of total CoP displacement and velocity during single-leg stance exhibited good to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.85–0.90) and low absolute error (CV ≈ 8%), with direction-specific displacements showing similarly consistent results (ICC = 0.83–0.90; CV generally < 10%). In contrast, the CoP ellipse area and standard deviation measures were considerably less stable (ICC = 0.57–0.79) and displayed markedly higher variability (CV ≈ 16%–23%). The contrast was even more pronounced in the bipedal stance, where reliability was poor to moderate across all parameters (ICC = 0.39–0.65), with the ellipse area exhibiting excessive variability (CV > 60%). Notably, no systematic between-session differences were observed for most outcomes, further supporting the consistency of the measurements. Discussion In healthy young adults, single-leg stance provides more reliable CoP measures than bipedal quiet stance when using a portable low-cost force plate. Displacement- and velocity-based outcomes during single-leg stance appear most suitable for repeated assessments and monitoring. MDC95 values should be interpreted strictly as measurement-error thresholds and not as indicators of clinical responsiveness or meaningful clinical change because responsiveness was not evaluated. Ključne besede: balance, reliability, force plate Objavljeno v RUP: 08.07.2026; Ogledov: 65; Prenosov: 0
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4. Effects of dance-based exercise on health indicators in cancer patients : a systematic review and meta-analysisSara Zgonc, Aleksandra Ilić, Matej Plevnik, Žiga Kozinc, Saša Jovanović, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction:Dance-based exercise has been increasingly explored as a complementary intervention in oncology, with potential benefits for physical, psychological, and social health. However, evidence remains inconsistent, and the overall strength of evidence has not been clearly established. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of dance-based exercise on health indicators in individuals with cancer. Methods:A systematic search of the literature was conducted in April 2025. Randomized controlled trials investigating dance-based interventions in adults with cancer were included. Outcomes of interest were quality of life, depression, and stress. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Where outcome measures were comparable, random-effects meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals. Results:Meta-analytic results indicated that dance-based exercise significantly improved physical aspects of quality of life (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.61, 95% CI [0.07, 1.15], P = .03). A positive but non-significant trend was observed for the social/family component of quality of life (SMD = 0.87, 95% CI [−0.21, 1.95], P = .11). Heterogeneity across studies was high for both analyses. For depression and stress, pooled results did not reach statistical significance, although several individual trials reported improvements, particularly among participants with higher baseline stress levels. Evidence was very low to low quality. Conclusions:Overall, findings suggest that dance-based exercise represents a feasible and beneficial complementary intervention that can enhance selected dimensions of quality of life among cancer patients. Further research employing standardized intervention protocols and consistent outcome measures is needed to better characterize the magnitude and specificity of effects across psychological and physical health domains. Ključne besede: cancer, dance interventions, quality of life, physical activities, stress, depression Objavljeno v RUP: 30.06.2026; Ogledov: 128; Prenosov: 8
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5. Undergraduate nursing students’ reflections on simulation-based learning : a qualitative studyJakob Renko, Helena Skočir, Patrik Pucer, Igor Karnjuš, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: high-fidelity simulation, non-technical skills, nursing education, reflective learning, simulation-based learning Objavljeno v RUP: 11.06.2026; Ogledov: 239; Prenosov: 6
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6. Challenges and opportunities of micro-credentials in nursing : a qualitative studyJakob Renko, Patrik Pucer, Igor Karnjuš, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Micro-credentials (MCs) present a new opportunity for improving continuing professional development (CPD), but their implementation in the field of nursing remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to explore the opportunities and challenges related to integrating MCs into nursing education in Slovenia. Methods: The study utilized a qualitative, exploratory design that involved conducting semi-structured interviews. A total of 19 interviews were conducted with representatives from different parts of the MCs ecosystem. The data collected were subsequently analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified: potential challenges in MCs implementation, opportunities and advantages of MCs, and the scope of potential areas for MCs application. Each of the three main themes was divided into three separate subthemes, which were then divided into associated codes. The most commonly mentioned potential challenges of MCs implementation were the regulation of knowledge output, accreditation of MCs, funding, and a lack of workplace communication. The most frequently occurring opportunities and advantages were the accessibility of education and training, competence improvement, career development, and standardisation. MCs could help develop better competence in specialised fields of healthcare, individual interventions, and non-technical skills, as well as fields that are not strictly related to nursing, such as management and mentor training. Conclusion: MCs hold significant promise for advancing nursing practice. Effective implementation of MCs could impact CPD for nursing practitioners, which is a known field that needs improvement. For this to be realized, we need to take into consideration challenges such as a lack of regulation, funding, and communication between stakeholders. Further research is still required to determine how to best implement MCs into nursing practice Ključne besede: micro-credentials, nursing, continuing professional development Objavljeno v RUP: 10.06.2026; Ogledov: 272; Prenosov: 8
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8. Physical activity, body appreciation, and perceived stress in relation to life satisfaction among university studentsVojko Vučković, Tanja Kajtna, Klemen Širok, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Physical Activity, Body Appreciation, and Perceived Stress in Relation to Life Satisfaction Among University Students by Vojko Vučković 1,*ORCID,Tanja Kajtna 1ORCID andKlemen Širok 2ORCID 1 Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia 2 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6310 Izola, Slovenia * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111572 Submission received: 31 March 2026 / Revised: 29 May 2026 / Accepted: 2 June 2026 / Published: 4 June 2026 (This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Versions Notes Abstract Background: University students experience increased psychological distress during academic transitions, yet modifiable lifestyle determinants of their subjective well-being remain incompletely understood within integrated analytical frameworks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (N = 194 undergraduates; 52.6% women; M age = 21.9 years) used validated instruments: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Body Appreciation Scale-2 Short Form (BAS-2SF), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and single-item measures of financial security and screen time. Physical activity (PA) was log-transformed (MET_log). Multiple simultaneous regression and structural equation modelling (SEM) were conducted. Results: Perceived stress was the strongest negative predictor of life satisfaction (B = −0.561, p < 0.001), while financial security was a significant positive predictor (B = +0.171, p = 0.023). SEM showed that body appreciation was associated with life satisfaction primarily through lower perceived stress (indirect effect = 0.107; consistent with indirect-only association pattern), while PA showed a significant direct association with life satisfaction (β = +0.143, p = 0.030), independent of the stress pathway. The indirect effect of PA via stress was not significant in the SEM. Model fit was acceptable (CFI = 0.951; RMSEA = 0.067). Conclusions: Perceived stress was statistically associated with the relationship between body appreciation and subjective well-being, while PA showed a direct statistical association with well-being that was independent of the stress pathway. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, these findings suggest that university health promotion programmes may consider integrating positive body image and stress management components alongside PA promotion to support student psychological well-being. Ključne besede: physical activity, life satisfaction, perceived stress, body appreciation, university students, structural equation modelling, well-being Objavljeno v RUP: 07.06.2026; Ogledov: 258; Prenosov: 8
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9. Nurses’ moral decision-making in practice through Kantian duty ethicsMirko Prosen, Nađa Antonić, Ema Sovinec, Mitja Zdovc, Sabina Ličen, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Nurses frequently encounter ethical dilemmas, moral distress, and situations in which they must balance professional duties, personal values, and organizational constraints. Deontological ethics, particularly Kant’s ethics of duty, offers a normative framework that emphasizes moral action grounded in duty rather than consequences. However, limited empirical research explores how nurses understand and enact Kantian principles in everyday clinical practice. Research aim: To explore how nurses understand and enact principles of Kant’s ethics of duty in clinical decision-making and how this philosophical framework shapes their moral judgement, sense of duty, and professional integrity. Research design: A qualitative descriptive research design. Participants and research context: Between November and December 2025, 17 nurses were recruited from various clinical settings in Slovenia through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-person interviews focused on moral decision-making, professional duty, moral autonomy, and institutional constraints. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze the data. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the university ethics committee. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Findings: The data analysis developed five major thematic categories: perceptions of the demands and responsibilities of nursing work, understanding of duty and professional ethics, ethical decision-making and moral autonomy, the emotional dimension and humanized nurse–patient relationships, and organizational conditions and systemic ethical challenges. Conclusions: The findings suggest that nurses largely enact Kantian ethics of duty through internalized professional values and commitment to patient dignity. However, organizational and systemic factors significantly limit their capacity for autonomous moral action. Strengthening ethical practice in nursing requires improved working conditions, enhanced professional autonomy, and structured support through ethics education, supervision, and team-based ethical reflection Ključne besede: nursing ethics, moral decision-making, Kantian duty ethics, professional autonomy, ethical dilemmas Objavljeno v RUP: 07.06.2026; Ogledov: 209; Prenosov: 9
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10. Early rehabilitation after total hip or knee joint replacement : a narrative reviewManca Zupančič Opara, Žiga Kozinc, Helmut Kern, Klaus Müller-Hohenstein, Stefan Loefler, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: When conservative treatment of osteoarthritis is not effective, patients may undergo total joint replacement. Postoperative rehabilitation is a crucial component of recovery, and early rehabilitation plays a particularly important role in optimizing outcomes, with the aim of enabling patients to return to independence and work as soon as possible. The aim of this paper is to summarize the role of early rehabilitation after total knee and hip joint replacement, including its main goals, key components, optimal timing, potential risks, and the evidence comparing early with delayed rehabilitation. Current evidence indicates that early inpatient rehabilitation contributes to faster recovery of mobility, improved joint range of motion and muscle strength, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Early outpatient rehabilitation initiated soon after discharge may further support recovery by increasing daily physical activity, improving joint mobility, and reducing rehabilitation costs. Although some studies report similar clinical outcomes between early and delayed physiotherapy, earlier initiation may allow patients to achieve comparable functional recovery sooner. Overall, early rehabilitation represents a safe and effective approach that should be integrated into standard postoperative care pathways Ključne besede: knee, hip, rehabilitation Objavljeno v RUP: 07.06.2026; Ogledov: 229; Prenosov: 9
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